Multipurpose bath apparatus



March 18, 1952 M. M. ocANA MULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS Filed March '7,1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 /m/e/7/0/ Mame/Manor 000/70 By his ahorneys March18, 1952 M QCANA MULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledMarch 7, 1950 EW E i," L.

/7l/e/7/0r Manue/Munar 000/70 By his attorneys March 18, 1952 M M, QCANA2,589,592

MULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS Filed March 7, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Mme/varMame/Manor 050/70 By his afforneys March 18, 1952 M. M. ocAfiAMULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS 5 sheetssheet 4 s /m/en forManue/MunarOcafi'a By his aflorneys I Filed March 7, 1950 M. M. ocANAMULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS March 18, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March7, 1950- //7 Venfor Manue/MunarOcafio By his a/fom eys Patented Mar. 18,1952 MULTIPURPOSE BATH APPARATUS Manuel Munar Ocaiia, Madrid, Spain,assignor to Sociedad Anonima de Aplicaciones Sanitarias, Madrid, Spain,a Spanish company Application March 7, 1950, Serial No. 148,027 In SpainApril 26, 1949 10 Claims.

1 This invention relates to a multi-purpose bath apparatus. Disregardingthe toilet-bowl, which is not considered bath apparatus and shouldpreferably be placed in a separate room, the modern bathroom comprisesat least a bath-tub, Wash-stand and bidet. In some installations 2spraying, and Fig. 10 showing it adjusted for a j t;

there are also included a shower-bath, foot-bath and sometimes a childsbath-tub, as well as a chair or stool. v

It will be seen that a bathroom comprises a group of equipment occupyinga space which is not suited to the characteristics of modern apartments,and that it also requires expensive installations and anetwork of pipingwhich gives considerable trouble and leakage when embedded in walls orfloors. More importantly, such bathrooms represent an enormous waste ofwater and fuel, both of which it is increasingly important to avoid. Thecost of maintenance is also high. My invention avoids thesedisadvantages. I have evolved a total and perfect synthesis of a modernbathroom, concentrated in less than half the floor space occupied by anormal bath-tub. In this space I have placed multi-purpose bathapparatus performing all the functions of bathtub, wash-stand, bidet,foot-bath, shower and babys bath. My arrangement is a bath apparatuseconomical of area, water, time and fuel, as well as having considerableadvantages in hygiene and comfort.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of my bathapparatus installed in a bathroom, with the near wall of the bathroomremoved;

Figure 2 is a plan view of the bath receptacles of Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a view of .the receptacles of Fig. 1, taken in verticalsection on the line 33 of Fig. 1, looking toward the front; 7

Figured is a view of the receptacles taken in vertical section at rightangles to Fig. 3, on the line 4-4 of Fig; 2, showing the water levels inthe inner and outer receptacles;

Figure 5 is a view in detail of the rear end of i Figure 11 is avertical view in side elevation of the foot valve controlling the watersupply for the shower arm;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the cavity in which the foot valve ofFig. 11 is located;

Figure 13 is a view of my bath apparatus in front elevation, showing theshower-head, curtain and receptacle adjusted for washing the face andhands;

Figure 14 is a perspective viewof the apparatus arranged as in Fig 13,showing a person washing his face and hands, while Figure 15 is a viewin front elevation, on a larger scale than Fig. 13, of the front plateand end of the outer receptacle.

Thelargest single element in the multi-purpose bath apparatus shown inthe drawings is an externally rectangular bath receptacle. Inside thisouter receptacle is a smaller one B which acts as a bidet. The bidet iscentrally located at the head end of the rectangular receptacle. It isconoidal in inner shape and generally oblong in form, with its longestdimension running in a direction from the head end towards the foot ofthe main receptacle. The upper edge of the head end is formed into apair of horizontal surfaces A, A which extend between the inner edges ofthe main bath receptacle and the side edges of the bidet B, overlyingthe latter slightly. Thus the two surfaces are spaced apart over thebidet. Together, this pair of surfaces form a seat perfectly adapted tothe human anatomy, the user being able to sit facing either inwardsoroutwards. This seat is sloped slightly downward in the direction of thefoot end of the main bath-receptacle.

In order to prevent any cross connection between clean and dirty waterwhen using my bath apparatus, I provide outlet ducts A1, A; extendingfrom the inside of the main receptacle to the exterior of thehead end atthe outer side edges of the surfaces A, A. As shown in Fig. 4, theseducts A1, A1 are at such an elevation as to prevent the level of thewater in the main receptacle rising to the level of the water'in thebidet. Any overflow through these ducts goes into a curb channel G atthe floor level at the end of the main receptacle and thence through agrating G1 to a waste pipe (not shown).

The bidet B is provided, with a water supply nozzle B, connected to apipe B2, the nozzle termin ating above the level of the water in thebidet but belowthe level of the seat. The bidet also has a dischargeopening B4 at the bottom.

2,589,592 J 7 i i 1 It will be noted that the edges of the planesurfaces A extend slightly inward beyond the side edges of the bidet,thereby forming anti-splash edges B5 for the bidet.

The main receptacle of my apparatus is divided vertically into twoparts. The lower part is a cavity C of adequate dimensions, first toavoid slipping of the feet as sometimes occurs in other installations,and secondly to enable control of the water supply when taking a medicalfoot-bath. This lower cavity C has the usual outlet and drain valve P.

The upper part of the main receptacle is formed into horizontal surfacesD at the level where it joins the lower cavity. These plane surfaces Dextend along the two sides of the main receptacle and are adapted foruse as a seat for children while bathing. In this way children are ableto play and get used to water from their youngest days. The shape of thefoot end of my main receptacle is one of the novel features of myinvention. This end is divided into halves by a vertical cavity F and isformed into footrests on each side of the cavity suitable for use whentaking a foot-shower, jet bath, etc.

Each half of thefoot f the receptacle presents a shape comprising anupper portion E inclined downwardly toward the center of the receptacle.This portion E connects with a curve at its lower end forming a cavityE1 and a plane surface E2 corresponding to the aforementioned seats D(see Figs. 4 and 5), but preferably inclined slightly downwardly towardsthe center of the receptacle. It will be seen from Fig. 5 that the shapeof the halves therefore follows the anatomic shape of the human footperfectly, enabling the user to lean his feet comfortably on the slopeswhen applying soap, or simply to have a rest for them during otherhygienic applications with the apparatus.

I also find it preferable to provide a slightly raised edge A2 aroundthe periphery of the receptacle to receive the lining material of theroom or chamber in which the bath apparatus is installed and therebyavoid humidity or leakage (see Figs. 1 and 4).

Turning now to the arrangements for water supply, reference is made moreparticularly to Figs. 1, 6 and 7. I provide a mixer valve M connected toa distributor valve M1. The mixer valve M is connected to the cold watersupply pipe R and hot water supply pipe T and has an operating lever Swhich enables the delivery of hot, cold or tepid water to thedistributor valve M1. This latter valve has four outlets. The outlet Lleads to a jet shower, the outlet N to a perineal douche set N1, N2. Theoutlet B2 is the pipe going to the bidet nozzle B3, and the fourth andfinal outlet V is another connection to the jet shower through anautomatic foot valve shown in Figs. 6 and 11. This valve is for use whenthe jet shower is used to wash the hands and face, as explained below.The distributor valve M1 has the usual handle S for connecting the waterfrom the mixer valve to whichever of these four outlets it is desired toconnect.

The front wall or head end of my bath apparatus is enclosed by a plate I(see Fig. This plate is mounted on supports K (see Fig. 1) by means ofscrews J so that the plate can be re moved and replaced as necessary.

Medical science considers immersion in bathtubs non-hygienic, but myapparatus operates on the opposite principle. Thus in my apparatus,

sprinkling, squirting and spraying of running water and jets of water atconvenient tempera ture and pressure are used as the only reasonable andscientific method for cleaning the human body because they carry awayfrom the body from head to foot all the dirt, exudations and humors andat the same time strengthen and serve as a tonic for the body.

For these operations attention is called to the articulated and pivotedjet shower (see Figs. 1, 6 and 14). There is a shower pipe or arm L tocarry the water to the shower head. The wall end of this shower armturns on a plate L1 on the wall, thereby describing a semi-circulartrajectory. The arm can lie in any desired position in this semi-circle.At its free end this articulated arm has a turning pivot plate L2 andfastened on that plate is the head or jet shower L3 shown in detail inFigs. 9 and 10. This jet shower head is able to make acomplete circle ofmovement about its pivot point on the shower pipe L and can be fixed atany desired angle in this circle.

. the head is knurled and by rotation of this head charge of Fig. 10.

It will be obvious that the apparatus already. described can be mountedon or formed from various other types of conduits and valves.

Itwill be seen that the equipment so. far described provides asubstitute for a full-length bath-tub.

All the services obtained fromthe bath equipment of a modern bathroomhaving running water are replaced to advantage, by my simple and novelapparatus. I will now describe the additional equipment necessary toenable my apparatus to be usedas a substitute for a washstand. I providea water-proof curtain X shown in Figs. 13 and 14 which is strung bymeans of rings on a bar Q extending across the head end of thereceptacle slightly above waist level. While I have shown the curtainarranged at this level when not using the equipmentas a washstand, thecurtain is normally suspended by means of its bar Q on upper supports 0.These upper supports provide a full-length shower cur tain. When used asa substitute for a washstand the bar is placed on the lower supports 0at waist level, as already mentioned. When properly hung on the lowersupports '0, the cur- I tain forms an apron preserving the body fromsplashing water. When the user is ready towash his face and hands or hisarms and entire head; the arm L1 is lowered and the jet shower L3 turnedupward to the position shown in Figs. 13 and 14, thus providing. anascending water jet or shower. In the plate I at the head end of thereceptacle at the floor level are two openings H, H1 into which thebather puts his feet. This enables him to get close to the curtain andthe jet shower and have the body in a perfectly com-l fortable positionwhile washing. The water is mixed to the desired temperature by means ofthe water mixer valve M. Then the lever S of the distributor valve M1 isturned so as to establish communication between the distributor valve M1and a button V1 of a valve V in the cavity H1. When the bather presseson this button with his foot, the water spray 0r jet from thearticulated shower pipe L and jet shower head The periphery of thedischarge end'of;

part of a perfect form of bidet system. Water is supplied through thenozzle B3 and the bidet can be drained, when necessary, through theoutlet B4. The overflow edge B1 and the anti-splash edges B5 of the seatcontrol the water in an ideal manner. 1

The arrangement of the bidet between the two plane surfaces A, A allowsthe bather to sit comfortably upon the said surfaces, facing eitherinwards or outwards, as if on a chair. This obviously is morecomfortable than the ordinary bidet where the user is obliged to rideupon a narrow and uncomfortable edge. I A perineal douche can also beobtained with the stationary water in the bidet B or with a flowingsupply of water if the nozzle B3 is left,

tion and contamination owing to the fact that any dirt or water in thebidet B never can reach the level of the fresh water nozzle B3. Instead,the waters in the bidet flow over the edge B1 and fall into the mainbath receptacle, from whence they flow through the outlet ducts A1.

If desired, the bidet service can be rounded out by installation of aportable perineal douche N1, N2 (see Fig. 1).

My novel bath apparatus also represents the perfect and comfortablesolution for foot-baths heretofore known.

In order to take a foot-bath the bather sits on the plane surfaces A, A,turns the articulated jet shower down and opens the jet until thecavity.

C of the main receptacle is filled to a convenient level. When it isdesired to washthe feet by means of a jet or shower, the samemanipulation is used, but the jet or shower is directed at the feet ofthe user which alternately are leaned.

against the slopes E1, E2 at the foot end of the main receptacle. Asalready mentioned, my apparatus serves equally well for bathingchildren, who can sit on the plane surfaces D at the upper edge of thelower cavity C while the shower arm L and the jet shower Ls aremanipulated as desired.

Reference is made to my co-pending application S'erial No. 32,109, filedJune 10, 1948 (now Patent No. 2,589,280), containing claims directedbroadly to the seat shown in the present application without referenceto any perineal shower cavity or bidet. Reference is also madeto mycopending application Serial No. 109,333, filed August 9, 1949 (nowPatent No. 2,589,281), which contains claims to the seat shown in thepresent application in connection with a perineal shower cavity.

I claim:

1. Multi-purpose bath apparatus comprising a rectangular bath receptaclehaving an entirely planar bottom and a seat at the front end of thereceptacle, in combination with a small, oblong bidet whose body isalmost entirely outside the receptacle and located midway of the upperfront of the receptacle, the entire edge of said bidet except a smallfront sector which projects over the receptacle being covered bythelower face of the seat following the contours of an opening formed inthe center of the seat topermitthe use. of the bidet but leaving a smallflange. tor anti-splash edge; and a separate water supply means andwaste connection for the bidet independent of the receptacle.

2. Multi-purpose bath apparatus comprising an externally rectangularbath receptacle and a receptacle mounted mid-way of the head end of therectangular receptacle and inside same, in combination with two planesurfaces provided at the head end of the outer receptacle covering thespace between external edges of both the outer and inner receptacles,said two plane surfaces being spaced apart over said inner receptacleand together forming a seat adapted to the human anatomy.

3L Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 2 in which in theouter receptacle, laterally outside said plane surfaces, are outletducts forming an overflow system for the outer receptacle below theupper edge of the inner receptacle, whereby any mixing of the water inthe outer receptacle with the water in the inner receptacle isprevented.

4. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at one endof the outer receptacle are two outlet ducts forming an overflow for thewater in the outer receptacle, whereby any mixing of the water in theouter receptacle with that in the inner receptacle is prevented.

5. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the innerface of the foot end of the outer receptacle is divided into halves by avertical cavity, said halves being inclined inwardly toward the bottom,whereby the users feet can be rested against them when the user isseated at the head end of the outer receptacle.

6. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 5, wherein each ofthe foot halves has an upper part inclined inwardly toward' the bottomof the receptacle, said upper incline merging at its lower end into acavity ending in a horizontal surface slightly inclined inwardly towardthe bottom of the receptacle, this shape following the anatomic shape ofthe foot, whereby the user can lean his feet comfortably on the foothalves when applying soap, or simply have a rest for his feet whileusing the bath apparatus.

7. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 in which there area pivoted jet shower above the receptacles, a foot valve for said showeremployed when the shower is to be used for washing face, head or hands,in combination with a perineal douche, a water mixer and a distributorconnecting the water to the jet shower, the perineal douche, the bidet,the water supply or the foot valve, as desired.

8. Mult'l-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 in which there area pivoted jet shower above the receptacles and a foot valve thereforemployed when the shower is used to wash the face, head or hands, saidshower comprising a pipe arm and a pivot plate rigidly supported on awall of the room in which the bath apparatus is installed, said pipe armbeing connected to the plate and adapted to be moved by hand to anydesired position in a vertical, semi-circular trajectory, in combinationwith a turning pivot plate on the other end of the pipe arm and a jetshower head attached to the said pivot plate adapted to turn up or down,said jet shower head being adapted to produce either a jet or a spray.as desired.

9. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 in which thereare apivoted jet shower above the receptacles and two cavities located in thelower front wall of the outer receptacle in which the user can put hisfeet in order to maintain a 'comfortable position when using the showerto wash the face, head or hands, and a valve in the bottom of one ofsaid cavities connected to said jet shower, whereby pressure of the footwill produce a water spray or jet from the jet shower.

l0. Multi-purpose bath apparatus according to claim 1 in which there isfront wall on the outer receptacle in combination with a movable file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 10 Number Name 1 Date 1,129,612 Stoneback Feb. 23,1915 2,163,154 Radimsky June 20, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS 15 Number CountryDate 245,360 Great Britain Jan. 7, 1926

